Donaldson shuts down contract talks
Last Thursday, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson came bounding into the reception area at the club’s spring training office to see GM Ross Atkins.
But before allowing him to jump into the elevator, the receptionist insisted Donaldson sign in. Apparently it’s routine for all visitors.
The conversation was overheard by reporters and the jokes soon began — the biggest being Donaldson would be so turned off about being forced to sign in, he’d put an end to contract-extension talks.
Lo and behold, Donaldson faced the media at Dunedin Stadium Monday and said contract-extension talks with the Jays have for all intents and purposes ceased, saying he wants to concentrate on the season and help the Jays win a World Series.
Of course, it’s highly doubtful his being forced to sign in had anything to do with the current situation, but Jays fans might be sad to learn he may be heading to free agency next season.
“Ross and I and my agent (Dan Lozano) have talked and we’re not there right now. I feel like, as of right now, all my attention and my focus needs to be on this season,” said Donaldson, adding he would not talk about an extension or free agency anymore during the season.
The 2015 AL MVP was asked point-blank if he expected to hit free agency in the off-season.
“Yes. But that’s not to say talks between the Blue Jays and I won’t ramp up again at some point,” he said. “Because I believe they will.”
Troy Tulowitzki isn’t going to issue any guarantees he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season, though that is the goal.
But the veteran shortstop said his right ankle is feeling much better and the bone spur bothering him isn’t a major problem. Tulowitzki sprained his ankle July 29, an injury that was later diagnosed as ligament damage. He missed the second half of the season.